Print machine and method

ABSTRACT

A print machine for multicolor operation utilizes a multiplicity of pairs of print rolls and press rolls rotatably supported on the machine frame and a vertical gate member pivotally mounted on the frame and supporting a multiplicity of inking units for supplying ink to the surface of the print rolls. The print rolls have their axes lying in a common vertical plane and the press rolls have their axes lying in a common vertical plane. The print rolls desirably have measuring indicia spaced about the circumference thereof and the machine includes means for sighting upon the measuring indicia to effect rotation of the several rolls to compensate for differences between the centerto-center spacing of the rolls and the circumference of the rolls so as to ensure precise alignment. In one embodiment of the machine, there is included path deflecting means which produces movement of the web horizontally of the machine between adjacent pairs of print and press rolls. This deflecting means desirably includes a porous roll about which the web travels and is spaced therefrom by means of compressed air or other gaseous medium expelled therethrough. The deflecting means may include other drying means to facilitate removal of solvent. The machine may include means for driving the ink rolls and means for driving the web independently of the rotation of the print and press rolls. It may include a backup roll for the press roll and means for lowering the ink troughs upon the ink gate.

United States Patent 1191 Saueressig 1 1 PRINT MACHINE AND METHOD [75]Inventor: Johann Heinrich Saueressig,

Wuellen, Ahaus, Germany [73] Assignee: Saueressig GmhH, Wuellen, Ahaus,

Germany Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent toJune 12, 1990, has been disclaimed.

[22] Filed: Mar. 29, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 345,873

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.210,064, Dec, 20, 1971, Pat, No. 3,738,265, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 23,564, March 30, 1970, abandoned,

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 29, 1969 Germany 1916359[52] U.S. C1. 101/181; 101/152; 101/178; 101/351', 101/375; 101/211 [51]Int. Cl 1341f 9/02 [58] Field of Search 101/178, 181, DIG. 12, 101/416,420, 352, 363-364, 228, 416, 211; 33/1845 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 488,897 12/1892 Martin l. 101/152 2,317,095 4/1943 Craftset a1. 101/152 2,333,220 11/1943 Weiss 101/152 2,988,989 6/1961 Crawford[01/152 3,227,078 H1966 Johnson l 101/178 3,426,680 2/1969 Kaufmannm,101/181 3,520,253 7/1970 Head r 101/181 3,542,358 11/1970 Schuhmann10l/420 X 3,611,927 10/1971 Johnson 101/178 X l l*May 27, 1975 3,738,2656/1973 Saveressig 101/351 Primary Examiner-Edgar S Burr AssistantExaminer-Edward M. Coven [57] ABSTRACT The print rolls desirably havemeasuring indicia spaced about the circumference thereof and the machineincludes means for sighting upon the measuring indicia to effectrotation of the several rolls to compensate for differences between thecenter-to-center spacing of the rolls and the circumference of the rollsso as to ensure precise alignment.

In one embodiment of the machine, there is included path deflectingmeans which produces movement of the web horizontally of the machinebetween adjacent pairs of print and press rolls. This deflecting meansdesirably includes a porous roll about which the web travels and isspaced therefrom by means of compressed air or other gaseous mediumexpelled therethrough. The deflecting means may include other dryingmeans to facilitate removal of solvent.

The machine may include means for driving the ink rolls and means fordriving the web independently of the rotation of the print and pressrolls. It may include a backup roll for the press roll and means forlowering the ink troughs upon the ink gate.

22 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures FHENTEU W 2 7 I575 SHEET FATENTED MAYZHQFS5-494 PRINT MACHINE AND METHOD CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThe present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationScr. Nov 210,064 filed Dec. 20, 1971 entitled INTAGLIO PRINT MACHINE ANDMETHOD. now U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,265, granted June 12, 1973, which inturn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 23,564 filedMar. 30, I970 entitled COLOR INTAGLIO PRINTING MACHINE MORE PARTICULARLYFOR PRINTING TEX- TILES, now abandoned which is based upon anapplication filed in the Federal Republic of Germany on Mar. 29. 1969,Scr. No. l9 i6 359.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, there are numerous differenttypes of print machines for use in printing various types of websincluding textiles, paper, plastic and metal. Some ma chines utilize alarge cylindrical drum or backing cylinder about the circumference ofwhich are disposed the engraved rolls. Still other machines have beenpro posed in which the engraved and press rolls are arranged verticallyor horizontally depending upon the desired path of the web therethrough.Such machines have use for intaglio printing and for relief printing;when the former technique is employed, it is common to have a doctorblade for removing excess color from the surface of the engraved printroll.

Various techniques are utilized for feeding the color to the surface ofthe print roll, and most commonly, an ink roll rotates in a trough topick up the color or ink and carries the color on its surface intocontact with the print roll. In some machines, it has been proposed torotate the engraved print roll directly in the ink trough with attendantproblems from the standpoint of effect ing desirable color distributionand rapid reassembly of the apparatus.

Among the problems encountered in printing of various webs is thenecessity or desirability of effecting drying of the coating applied byone print station before the web passes into the nip of the next printstation in order to avoid bleeding or smudging of colors. This problemis particularly significant in printing upon plastics which do notpossess the inherent porosity of woven or nonwoven fabric or even ofpaper.

Another problem which is constantly encountered in print machines is theamount of down time required to effect cleaning or changing the elementsof the apparatus. Moreover. if the elements of the apparatus are altered, considerable difficulty is generally encountered in effectingreregistration of the patterns on the several print rolls. In addition,there is also a frequent need to minimize slippage of the web as itpasses through the several printing stations,

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved printingmachine in which the inking units may be readily disassembled from theprint rolls and in which the several elements maybe readily adjustedrclati\c to each other.

It is also an object to provide such a machine in which the color orprinting ink within the ink troughs may be maintained in an agitatedstate men when the ink rolls are disassembled from the print rolls.

Another object is to provide such a machine in which the color appliedto the web at one station may be substantially completely dried beforethe web passes into the succeeding print stationv Still another objectis to provide such a machine in which there is included means foreffecting precision alignment of a predetermined circumferential pointupon the pattern of the print rolls.

A further object is to provide such a machine in which drying of a highsolvent color or ink upon the surface of the print roll is minimized.

A still further object is to provide such a print machine in which theweb is independently driven so as to minimize slippage relative to theprint rollsv An additional object is to provide such a print machine inwhich the press roll assembly includes a backing roll of considerablygreater resistance to deflection so as to ensure uniformity of pressureat the nip roll across the entire axial length thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the foregoing andrelated objects can be readily obtained in a print machine for thesubstantially continuous printing of a web traveling therethrough whichincludes a machine frame and a vertical gate member pivotally mounted onthe frame and moveable between an open position and a closed position.Rotatably supported on the frame in vertically spaced alignment are amultiplicity of pairs of cooperating print and press rolls with theprint roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent the gatemember and having their axes lying in a common vertical plane. The pressrolls in turn have their axes lying in a parallel vertical plane. Theprint rolls each have a circumferential pattern of measuring indiciaabout the circumference thereof dividing the circumference intomeasuring units. A multiplicity of inking units are supported on thegate member in vertically spaced alignment and each cooperate with oneof the print rolls for applying a coating of ink to the circumferentialsurface of the as sociated print roll as it rotates during operation ofthe machine. Each inking unit includes an ink trough, an inking roll andmeans for moving the ink trough relative to the print roll. A pluralityof path deflecting means is provided and each includes a supportingmeans on the frame spaced inwardly of the press rolls relative to thegate member whereby the web issuing from the nip of one pair of rolls isdirected inwardly of the machine about the support member and thenceoutwardly into the nip of the next adjacent pair of rolls along the pathof web travel.

A plurality of pitch adjustment means each includes an alignment elementcooperating with the measuring indicia of the print rolls and means foradjusting the print rolls to effect registry of a preselected measuringindicium with the alignment element. Drive means is included forrotating the print and press rolls and an auxiliary drive roll isprovided for the web, together with means for driving the roll.

The print machine desirably includes drive means on the gate member anda gear mechanism interconnecting the drive means and the ink rolls toeffect rotation thereof independently of the position of the gatemember. It also may include gear means interconnecting the ink rolls andthe print rolls to provide controlled relative rotation thereof. Thealignment element preferably includes a rcticule for effecting visualalignment for the print roll measuring indicia.

The support member of the path deflecting means will normally comprise aporous tube and will include means for supplying air under pressure tothe interior of the porous tube for escape of the air therethrough toprovide an air cushion between the tube and the web. The deflectingmeans may also include dryer means spaced inwardly of the print andpress rolls for directing gas under pressure onto the surface of the webpassing thereby. The path deflecting means may also inelude idler rollsabove and below each pair of press and print rolls to facilitateredirection from the upstream print roll to the support member andthence from the support member to the downstream pair of print and pressrolls.

The means for moving the ink troughs desirably includes slide means onthe gate member, support elements on the trough slidably seated in theslide means and pneumatic means for slidably moving the trough supportelements vertically in the slide means.

The press roll assembly may include a backup roll of larger diameterdisposed to the opposite side thereof from the print roll and whichfacilitates uniform pressure over the axial length of the press roll andminimizes deflection thereof. Desirably, the drive mechanisms for theprint rolls, press rolls. and ink rolls are provided by pneumaticrotation so as to permit utilization of the apparatus with flammablesolvent systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematicelevational view of a print machine embodying the present invention withsome of the internal components illustrated in dotted line;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view to an enlarged scale ofthe upper portion of one side of the gate assembly with portions removedand broken away for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the opposite side ofthe gate assembly showing the pitch mark scale and sighting device toeffect registry of the print rolls;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view ofa print roll show ing the pitchmark scale about the circumference thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top view of the print roll sur face in planarform;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical view of the print rolls of the machine withthe key works of the various print rolls rotated into the predeterminedpositions to bring the patterns into alignment;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the print machine withthe working gate opened and showing various parts in dotted line;

FIG. 8 is a partially diagrammatical sectional view of the rolls andelements of one of the several printing stalions;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the rolls and printingelements of an alternate embodiment of printing station and with theinking roll omitted for clarity of illustration:

FIG. I is a fragmentary front elevational view of a roll adjustmentmechanism in the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. II is a partially diagrammatical end view of a print roll andinking roll assembly with a common drive gear and ink trough shown inphantom line: and

(ill

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of mechanism for raising and lowering theink troughs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Turning now indetail to FIG I ofthe attached drawings therein partiallydiagrammatically illustrated is a print machine embodying the presentinvention and generally comprised of a frame generally designated by thenumeral I0 and a gate generally designated by the numeral 12 which ispivotally mounted at one side upon the frame 10. In the embodiment ofthis particu lar illustration, the frame comprises a substantiallyclosed housing which is vented and connected to an ex haust system (notshown) to remove solvent fumes. As illustrated, the machine is set upfor the printing of fabric and includes a rubber blanket 14 extendingabout a series of rollers 16. The backing gray I8 and the textile fabricare introduced from suitable feed rolls and extend along a straight linepath between the nips of cooperating pairs of print rolls 22 and pressrolls 24.

As will be pointed out hereinafter in greater detail. the fabric isdriven through the machine by its engagement in the nip between theprint rolls 22 and press rolls 24 and also by action of the fabric driveroll 26 which is powered by the drive motor 28 through the gearmechanism 30. Ink is supplied to the print rolls 22 by the inking rolls32 which rotate in the ink troughs 34. The ink rolls 32 in turn aredriven by the drive motor 36 mounted upon the gate 12 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

For purposes of clarity of illustration. only the general outline ofsome of the structural elements have been indicated. Specific componentsof the machine wiil be described more completely with reference to themore detailed figures of the drawings. General details of the gatestructure and ofa highly desirable mandrel assembly for mounting theprint rolls in the machine may be found in applicant's copending US.application Ser. No. 210.064 filed Dec. 20. I97] and entitled"Multicolor Intaglio Printing Machine with Pivotable Gate Support forInking Units.

Turning now in detail to FIG. 2, therein fragmentarily illustrated isthe gate assembly I2 and the drive mecha nism for rotating the inkingrolls The gate I2 is generally comprised of vertical sideposts 38, a topcross member 40 and a bottom cross member (not shown). The drive motor36 is supported upon a bracket 42 at the top of the frame and it isdrivingly engaged with a vertical shaft 44 which is journalcd in pillowblocks 46 carried by the vertical sidcposts 3S. Spaced along the lengthof the vertical shaft 44 are series of bevel gears 48 which mesh withbevel gears 50 on the outer ends of stub shafts 52. These stub shaftsare rotatably mounted in bearings 54 disposed in the mounting blocks 56,and they carry at their inner ends ring gears 58.

The ink rolls 32 have shafts rotatably mounted in the brackets 61 on thegate I2 and which carry at their ends ring gears 62 which are in meshingengagement with the ring gears 58 on the stub shafts 52. As a result.operation of the drive motor 36 will impart rotation to the shaft 44 andthe bevel gears 48 which in turn will effect rotation of the stub shafts52 through the bevel gears 50. The ring gears 58 will in turn producerotation of the ring gears 62 and thereby the ink rolls 32 so as tomaintain agitation of the printing ink in the troughs 34 even when thegate is opened.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-6, therein illustrated in detail is the mechanismemployed to insure proper cir' cumfcrential alignment of the patterns onthe several print rolls 22. Each of the print rolls 22 has at one endthereof a scale or measuring indicia 64 engraved or otherwise formedabout the circumference thereof dividing the circumference into units ofmeasure. Conve niently these units of measure may comprise millimetersof circumference although it is possible to utilize units of are if sodesired by altering the computations which will be described in detailhereinafter. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the measuring indicia 64include a reference point or pitch mark 66 indicating the beginning ofthe engraved pattern upon the print roll 22. Mounted upon the supportbar 68 at the side of the frame H] are a plurality of brackets 70 inwhich are slidably seated rods 72 which carry at their ends sightingeyepieees 74 including reticules (not shown) for insuring accuratealignment. As seen, the axes of the rods 72 lie in a common horizontalplane with the axes of the cooperating print rolls 22.

Turning now to FIG. 6 of the drawings, therein schematically illustratedis the method of determining proper circumferential alignment of theseveral rolls of the print machine. For purposes of explanation, therolls will be assumed to have a circumference of 400 millimeters and acenter-to-center spacing of 280 millimeters. Thus, there will be acircumferential variation of l20 from one roll to the next in terms ofthe desired alignment of the pitch mark or beginning of the engravedpattern. Utilizing a series of eight print rolls, it will be appreciatedthat the pitch mark must be varied from roll to roll in the sequence andin accordance with the following calculations:

Roll l X -2l40 Roll 2 400-280 +120 -l60 Roll 3 400 560 +240 -40 Roll 42.4004440 +360 320 Roll 5 2.4004 I20 +80 -200 Roll 6 3.4004400 +200 X0Roll 7 4.4004680 +320 3h0 Roll 8 4.4004960 +40 Turning now to FIG. 7,therein illustrated is mechanism for independently driving the print andpress rolls. At the bottom of the frame It) is provided a conven tionaldrive motor 76 which is connected to the shafts of the print rolls 22 byconventional drive mechanism generally designated by the numeral 78. Atthe top of the frame [0 is provided a drive motor 80 which im partsrotation to the backing rolls 82 through conventional drive mechanismgenerally designated by the numeral 84. As the backing rolls 82 rotatethey in turn effect rotation of the press rolls 24 through theirtangential frictional engagement therewith. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention for utilization with color systemscontaining flammable and volatile solvents the drive motors 76 and 80are desirably pneumatic motors. As noted in FIG. I, a separate drivemotor 28 is provided for the blanket l4 if employcd or the web 20 if noblanket or backing gray are employed. This motor is similarly desirablypneumatically driven, as is the motor 36 for driving the ink rolls FIG.8 semi-schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention in which the web is 5 deflected from a relatively straightline path vertically through the machine along the several nips of theCoop crating pairs of the print and press rollsv As can be seen, the web20 is passing downwardly through the machine about the idler roll 96. Inthis embodiment the print roll 22 and ink roll 32 are both to tatingwithin the ink trough 34 and a doctor blade 86 is disposed to contactthe uppermost surface of the print roll 22 as it rotates thereby. Thepress roll 24 is disposed with its axis spaced above that of the printroll 22 so that it is in tangential contact therewith adjacent the upperportion of its circumference at a point closely spaced relative to thedoctor blade 86. The backing roll 82 may be seen to be substantiallylarger in diameter than the press roll 24 and is disposed with its axisin the common plane defined by line drawn through the axes of the printroll 22 and press roll 24.

Spaced inwardly on the frame of the several rolls 22, 24 and 82 is theporous deflection tube 88 which is adjustable in its spacing from therolls 22, 24 by means which will be described more fully with respect toFIG. 9. The axis of the deflection tube 88 is parallel to the axes ofthe rolls 22, 24 and it is generally spaced below the level of the nipbetween the rolls 22, 24 and desirably below the axis of the print roll22. The deflection tube 88 is desirably constructed of a sinteredmetallic material so as to provide substantially uniform porosity alongits length. That half of its circumference which is spaced from the webdesirably is nonporous so as to limit the escape of air or gas to thatportion of the circumference which will provide the desired air cushion.This may be done by coating the porous roll with a suitable blockingagent or by fabricating the roll into pieces from different materialsand then assembling the tubular semi-circular halfs. Air or other gaseous medium under pressure is introduced into the hol low center of thetube 88 and escapes at a rapid rate substantially uniformly throughoutthe entire length of the tube 88. As will be appreciated, the air orgaseous medium escaping through the wall of the tube 88 maintains aspacing between it and the web 20 passing there about and therebyfunctions to provide a cushion of gaseous medium avoiding frictionalcontact therebetween. This same gaseous medium serves to effectevaporation of solvent from the printed coating upon the surface of theweb 20 which has been applied at the preceding print roll nip. In orderto minimize pressure drop across the length of the deflection tube 88.air or other pressurized gas may be introduced through both ends of theporous tube 88 and it may also be supplied to the center portion of theporous tube 88 by an inner conduit (not shown).

To facilitate the removal of solvent and drying of the applied coating.elongated drying units 90 are provided along both the upper and lowerhorizontal segments of the path of travel towards and away from theporous deflection tube 88. These drying units may comprise a series ofspaced nozzles 92 through which air or other gaseous medium flowing intothe header tubes 94 is dis tributcd onto the surface of the web 20passing thereby. Alternatively, the drying units may comprise poroustubular members operating generally similarly to the dcflcction tubes88.

It has been found that compressed air supplied to the tube 88 at avelocity sufficient to maintain an internal pressure of 1.5 to batmospheres will be effective to provide the desired air cushionalthough it should be appreciated that this may vary. The air or gas maybe heated if so desired. An idler roll 96 is provided in the return pathof the web to maintain a generally horizontal direction and provide forchanging into a vertical direction into the nip of the next succeedingprint sta tion.

Turning now to FlG. 9. therein illustrated is a substantially completeassembly incorporating web redirection means. but wherein the print roll22. press roll 24 and backing roll 82 have their axes aligned on acommon horizontal plane. ln this embodiment. the axis of the deflectiontube 88 is spaced vertically below the rolls 22, 24 and backing roll 82.

The deflection tube 88 is secured at its ends upon end plates 100 whichare slidably seated in channel members 102. As a result. the horizontalspacing of the axis of the deflection tube 88 relative to the nipbetween the rolls 22. 24 may be adjusted through the action of theadjusting bolt 104 which is fixedly seated in the bracket 106 on theframe and threadably seated in the bracket 108 on the end plate 100.

ln this embodiment, the press roll 24 and backing roll 82 are journaledin a slide 110 which is slidable in the channels 112 as a result ofmovement of the piston 114 effected by operation of the cylinder 116.Variation of the horizontal disposition of the idler rolls 96 is readilyeffected since they too are journaled in end plates or blocks [18 whichare slidable within the channels 120 and adjustable by means of theadjusting bolts 122 which are threadably engaged therein.

The doctor blade 86 is mounted upon a channel member 124 which issecured to the plates 126 and it may be adjusted inwardly and outwardlyby means of the adjusting screw assembly 128 and be pivoted by means ofthe piston and cylinder assembly 130. The entire doctor blade assemblymay be moved inwardly and outwardly by the crank unit 132.

As best seen in FlG. 12. the ink trough 34 is movable vertically by amechanism which includes slide channels 140 on the vertical sideposts 38of the gate 12 in which are slidably seated the side blocks 142. Alsomounted upon the sideposts 38 are cylinders 144 hav ing pistons 146extending vertically upwardly therefrom with pulleys 148 at the endthereof. A cable 150 is fixed at one end to a bracket 152 upon thevertical sidepost 38 and extends about the pulley and is secured at itsother end to a bracket 154 on the slide block 142. As a result. verticalmovement of the piston 146 caused by actuation of the cylinder [44 willproduce vertical movement of the slide block 142 within the slidechannels 140. The inking trough 34 has support bars 154 extending fromthe outer end thereof with pins 156 which seat in recesses 158 formed inthe upper surface of the slide blocks 142. The pins 156 are secured inthe recesses by the pi otal latch 160. Asa result. when the slide block142 is moy ed vertically. the inking trough 34 will also be mmcdvertically. thus permitting rapid movement of the inking trough 34 intooperative position and movement from opcrathc position to inopcrtitbeposition to facilitate opening of thc inking gate Turning now to FIG.11, therein illustrated is the mechanism for moving the inking roll 32inwardly and outwardly rclatite to the print roll 22 and this structuremay be superimposed upon the structure illustrated in FIGv 9. The inkroll 32 has its shaft seated in a block (not shown] which is slidable inthe slide channel 162 supported on the gate l2. It can be moved alongthe length of the slide channel 162 by the adjusting screw 164 which isfixed in the block 166 and thrcudably engaged in the slide block (notshown) supporting the end of the shaft 60. The ink roll 32 and printroll 22 in this particular embodiment are driven substantiallysynchronously by engagement of gear teeth 170, 172 on end shafts with acommon gear 174.

Turning now to FIG. 10. therein illustrated is the mechanism foradjusting the print roll 22 relative to the frame 10. As will beappreciated, both vertical adjustment of the elevation of the printrolls 32 and circum fercntial adjustment is thus provided in the machineto facilitate maximum control over print registry.

From the illustrations of the several possible variations in theapparatus, it would be appreciated that the basic elements of theapparatus may be utilized for printing fabric. synthetic plastic. film,paper. metal and other continuous webs. The web redirection assemblywith its drying action is particularly advantageous in the printing ofnonporous materials since passage of the web into the next printingstation while the previously deposited print coating is still wet wouldtend to produce smearing or running of colors and pattern. The machinemay be used for intaglio printing in which case a doctor blade (or apair of doctor blades] is employed or it may be used for reliefprinting. The print roll may rotate in the color within the ink troughitself or more generally it will be utilized with an inking rollrotating within the color of the ink trough.

In the illustrated embodiment. pneumatic means have been shown formoving the ink trough vertically relative to the print rolls to permitdisengagement therefrom and opening of the inking gate; however, othermeans of effecting such vertical movement may be employed. includingelectrical motors and hand geared mechanisms.

Where a high degree of uniform pressure is desired. the use of aseparate backing roll applying pressure across the axial length of thepress roll has been found to be highly desirable and advantageous.Moreover. to minimize fabric slippage and optimi/e speed of printing. itis desirable to drive the print rolls. the press rolls and the fabrictor blanket or backing gray Optimum registration of the patterns oftheseveral print rolls may be readily effected through use of the sightmembers and the indicia imprinted upon the printing rolls.

As will be readily appreciated. the oxcrall assembly is one which lendsitself to rapid interchangeability. disengagement of individual rollunits and variation in printing technique In commercial practice itsvcrsatil ity and reliability of operation have been established.

The roll pattern alignment means may be utilized to effect registry ofthe patterns on the print rolls when the web travels directly\CfllCrlll) thercbetwcen by use of the ccnter-to-ccntcr spacing as thepath travel dis tance may be determined fora deflecting path as shown inthe embodiments of FIGS 8 and 9 ith vsimilar com putations beingemployed Hrning thus described the in\ent|on. 1 claim I. A print machinefor the continuous printing of a continuous web traveling thcrcthroughcomprising.

a. a rnachlnc frame;

b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted at least on one side thereofon said frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis at said pivotedside from a closed position to an open position wherein the sideopposite the pivotal axis is spaced away from said frame;

c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating print and press rollsrotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, theprint roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gatememher and having a circumferential pattern of a multiplicity ofmeasuring indicia about its circumference adjacent an end thereofdividing the circumference into a multiplicity of measuring units, saidprint rolls having their axes lying in a common vertical plane and saidpress rolls having their axes lying in a parallel vertical plane;

d. a multiplicity of inking units supported on said gate member invertically spaced alignment and each cooperating with one of said printrolls for applying a coating of ink to the circumferential surface of anassociated print roll as it rotates during operation of the machine.each inking unit including an ink trough, an inking roll and means formoving said ink trough relative to said print rolls;

e. a plurality of path deflecting means on said machine frame eachincluding a support member on said frame spaced inwardly of said pressrolls relative to said gate member whereby the web issuing from the nipof one pair of rolls is directed inwardly of the machine about saidsupport member and thence outwardly into the nip of the next adjacentpair of rolls along the path of web travel;

. a plurality of pitch adjustment means each including an alignmentelement cooperating with the said measuring indicia of one of said printrolls and means for independently rotating each of a plurality of theprint rolls to effect registry of a preselected measuring indieium withsaid alignment element;

g. drive means for rotating said print and press rolls;

and

h. an auxiliary drive roll for the web and means for driving saidauxiliary drive roll.

2. The print machine of claim I wherein there is included drive means onsaid gate member and a gear mechanism interconnecting said drive meansand said ink rolls to effect rotation thereof independently of theposition of said gate member.

3. The print machine of claim 2 wherein there is provided gear meansinterconnecting said ink rolls and said print rolls to providecontrolled relative rotation thereof.

4. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said inktroughs includes slide means on said gate member support elements onsaid troughs slidably seated in said slide means. and pneumatic meansfor slidably moving said trough support elements vertically in saidslide means.

5. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said alignment element includesa reticule for effecting visual alignment of said print roll measuringindicia.

6. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said support member of said pathdeflecting means comprises a porous tube and wherein there is providedmeans for supplying air under pressure to the interior of said poroustube for escape therethrough to provide an air cushion between said tubeand the web.

7. The print machine of claim 6 wherein said path deflecting meansincludes idler rolls on said frame above and below each pair of pressand print rolls to facilitate redirection from the upstream print rollto the support member and thence from the support member to thedownstream pair of print and press rolls.

8. The print machine of claim 6 wherein said deflecting means includesdryer means spaced inwardly of said print and press rolls for directinggas under pressure onto the surface of the web passing thereby.

9. The print machine of claim 1 wherein there is included a doctor bladepivotably mounted on said inking gate and in contact with the surface ofsaid print roll.

10. The print machine of claim 9 wherein the axis of said press roll isdisposed upwardly from the plane of the axis of said print roll at arelatively steep angle and wherein said doctor blade contacts thesurface of said print roll adjacent the uppermost portion thereof,whereby the distance of travel between the point of said doctor bladeand the nip between said print roll and press roll is relatively short.

11. The print machine of claim 1 wherein there is included a backingroll of larger diameter than said press roll and disposed to theopposite side thereof from said print roll to provide substantiallyuniform pressure across the axial length thereof.

12. The print machine of claim 11 wherein said backing roll is drivenand imparts rotation to said press roll.

13. The print machine of claim 11 wherein said ink troughs arevertically slidably supported upon said inking gate and wherein there isincluded pneumatic means for slidably moving said ink troughs verticallyrelative to said inking gate and said print rolls.

14. In a print machine for the continuous printing of a continuous webtraveling therethrough, the combination comprising:

a. a machine frame;

b. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating print and press rollsrotatably supported on said frame, the print roll of each pair beingdisposed outwardly and having a circumferential pattern of amultiplicity of measuring indicia about its circumference adjacent anend thereof dividing the circumference into a multiplicity of measuringunits;

. a plurality of pitch adjustment means on said machine frame and eachincluding an alignment element cooperating with the said measuringindicia of one of said print rolls; and

d. independent drive means for independently rotating the print rolls toeffect registry of a preselected measuring indieium of the rotated printroll with said alignment element cooperating therewith.

15. The print machine of claim 14 wherein said alignment elementincludes a reticule for effecting visual alignment of said print rollmeasuring indicia.

16. The print machine of claim 14 wherein said measuring indiciacomprise a scale reflecting the distance about the circumference of saidprint rolls.

[7. In a print machine for the continuous printing of a continuous webtraveling therethrough the combination comprising:

a. a machine frame;

b. a vertical gate member pivotally mounted at least on one side thereofon said frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis at said pivotedside from a closed position to an open position wherein the sideopposite the pivotal axis is spaced away from said frame;

c. a multiplicity of pairs of cooperating print and press rollsrotatably supported on said frame in vertically spaced alignment, theprint roll of each pair being disposed outwardly adjacent said gatemember and having a circumferential pattern of a multiplicity ofmeasuring indicia about its circumference adjacent an end thereofdividing the circumference into a multiplicity of measuring units, saidprint rolls having their axes lying in a parallel vertical plane; and

d. a plurality of path deflecting means each including a tubular supportmember on said frame spaced inwardly of said press rolls and means forsupplying gas under pressure to said tubular support member, saidtubular support member having gas passages therethrough over its lengthand over a substantial portion of its periphery, whereby the web issuingfrom the nip of one pair of rolls is directed inwardly of the machineabout said support member and thence outwardly into the nip of the nextadjacent pair of rolls along the path of web travel with the gasescaping through the support member providing a gas cushion between theweb and support member.

18. The print machine of claim 17 wherein said tubular support membercomprises a tube which is porous at least about a portion of theperiphery thereof.

19. The print machine of claim 17 wherein said path deflecting meansincludes idler rolls on said frame above and below each pair of pressand print rolls to facilitate redirection from the upstream print rollto the support member and thence from the support member to thedownstream pair of print and press rolls.

20. The print machine of claim 17 wherein said deflecting means includesdryer means spaced inwardly of said print and press rolls for directinggas under pressure onto the surface of the web passing thereby.

21. In a method for continuous printing of webs, the steps comprising:

a. providing a multiplicity of print rolls each having cooperatingpatterns thereon with a multiplicity of circumferential indicia aboutthe circumference of at least one end thereof dividing the circumferenceinto a multiplicity of measuring units, said indicia including a pitchmark denoting a predetermined point on the pattern;

b. mounting said print rolls on the frame of a print machine with theiraxes lying in a common plane and with a predetermined spacingtherebetween; and

0. independently rotating each of at least a plurality of said printrolls to orient said pitch marks at a predetermined point relative to areference point on said frame about a circle having its center lying insaid common plane in accordance with a predetcrmined length of path oftravel of the web between the adjacent print rolls relative to thecircumference thereof.

22. The method in accordance with claim 21 wherein said reference pointsare alignment devices on said frame adjacent said print rolls andwherein said print rolls are rotated to orient a predeterminedcircumferential indicium with said alignment devices.

1. A print machine for the continuous printing of a continuous webtraveling therethrough comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a verticalgate member pivotally mounted at least on one side thereof on said framefor pivotal movement about a vertical axis at said pivoted side from aclosed position to an open position wherein the side opposite thepivotal axis is spaced away from said frame; c. a multiplicity of pairsof cooperating print and press rolls rotatably supported on said framein vertically spaced alignment, the print roll of each pair beingdisposed outwardly adjacent said gate member and having acircumferential pattern of a multiplicity of measuring indicia about itscircumference adjacent an end thereof dividing the circumference into amultiplicity of measuring units, said print rolls having their axeslying in a common vertical plane and said press rolls having their axeslying in a parallel vertical plane; d. a multiplicity of inking unitssupported on said gate member in vertically spaced alignment and eachcooperating with one of said print rolls for applying a coating of inkto the circumferential surface of an associated print roll as it rotatesduring operation of the machine, each inking unit including an inktrough, an inking roll and means for moving said ink trough relative tosaid print rolls; e. a plurality of path deflecting means on saidmachine frame each including a support member on said frame spacedinwardly of said press rolls relative to said gate member whereby theweb issuing from the nip of one pair of rolls is directed inwardly ofthe machine about said support member and thence outwardly into the nipof the next adjacent pair of rolls along the path of web travel; f. aplurality of pitch adjustment means each including an alignment elementcooperating with the said measuring indicia of one of said print rollsand means for independently rotating each of a plurality of the printrolls to effect registry of a preselected measuring indicium with saidalignment element; g. drive means for rotating said print and pressrolls; and h. an auxiliary drive roll for the web and means for drivingsaid auxiliary drive roll.
 2. The print machine of claim 1 wherein thereis included drive means on said gate member and a gear mechanisminterconnecting said drive means and said ink rolls to effect rotationthereof independently of the position of said gate member.
 3. The printmachine of claim 2 wherein there is provided gear means interconnectingsaid ink rolls and said print rolls to provide controlled relativerotation thereof.
 4. The print machine of claim 1 wherein said means foRmoving said ink troughs includes slide means on said gate member,support elements on said troughs slidably seated in said slide means,and pneumatic means for slidably moving said trough support elementsvertically in said slide means.
 5. The print machine of claim 1 whereinsaid alignment element includes a reticule for effecting visualalignment of said print roll measuring indicia.
 6. The print machine ofclaim 1 wherein said support member of said path deflecting meanscomprises a porous tube and wherein there is provided means forsupplying air under pressure to the interior of said porous tube forescape therethrough to provide an air cushion between said tube and theweb.
 7. The print machine of claim 6 wherein said path deflecting meansincludes idler rolls on said frame above and below each pair of pressand print rolls to facilitate redirection from the upstream print rollto the support member and thence from the support member to thedownstream pair of print and press rolls.
 8. The print machine of claim6 wherein said deflecting means includes dryer means spaced inwardly ofsaid print and press rolls for directing gas under pressure onto thesurface of the web passing thereby.
 9. The print machine of claim 1wherein there is included a doctor blade pivotably mounted on saidinking gate and in contact with the surface of said print roll.
 10. Theprint machine of claim 9 wherein the axis of said press roll is disposedupwardly from the plane of the axis of said print roll at a relativelysteep angle and wherein said doctor blade contacts the surface of saidprint roll adjacent the uppermost portion thereof, whereby the distanceof travel between the point of said doctor blade and the nip betweensaid print roll and press roll is relatively short.
 11. The printmachine of claim 1 wherein there is included a backing roll of largerdiameter than said press roll and disposed to the opposite side thereoffrom said print roll to provide substantially uniform pressure acrossthe axial length thereof.
 12. The print machine of claim 11 wherein saidbacking roll is driven and imparts rotation to said press roll.
 13. Theprint machine of claim 11 wherein said ink troughs are verticallyslidably supported upon said inking gate and wherein there is includedpneumatic means for slidably moving said ink troughs vertically relativeto said inking gate and said print rolls.
 14. In a print machine for thecontinuous printing of a continuous web traveling therethrough, thecombination comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a multiplicity of pairsof cooperating print and press rolls rotatably supported on said frame,the print roll of each pair being disposed outwardly and having acircumferential pattern of a multiplicity of measuring indicia about itscircumference adjacent an end thereof dividing the circumference into amultiplicity of measuring units; c. a plurality of pitch adjustmentmeans on said machine frame and each including an alignment elementcooperating with the said measuring indicia of one of said print rolls;and d. independent drive means for independently rotating the printrolls to effect registry of a preselected measuring indicium of therotated print roll with said alignment element cooperating therewith.15. The print machine of claim 14 wherein said alignment elementincludes a reticule for effecting visual alignment of said print rollmeasuring indicia.
 16. The print machine of claim 14 wherein saidmeasuring indicia comprise a scale reflecting the distance about thecircumference of said print rolls.
 17. In a print machine for thecontinuous printing of a continuous web traveling therethrough, thecombination comprising: a. a machine frame; b. a vertical gate memberpivotally mounted at least on one side thereof on said frame for pivotalmovement about a vertical axis at said pivoted side from a closedposition to an open position wherein the side opposite the pivotal axisis spaced away from said frame; c. a multiplicity of pairs ofcooperating print and press rolls rotatably supported on said frame invertically spaced alignment, the print roll of each pair being disposedoutwardly adjacent said gate member and having a circumferential patternof a multiplicity of measuring indicia about its circumference adjacentan end thereof dividing the circumference into a multiplicity ofmeasuring units, said print rolls having their axes lying in a parallelvertical plane; and d. a plurality of path deflecting means eachincluding a tubular support member on said frame spaced inwardly of saidpress rolls and means for supplying gas under pressure to said tubularsupport member, said tubular support member having gas passagestherethrough over its length and over a substantial portion of itsperiphery, whereby the web issuing from the nip of one pair of rolls isdirected inwardly of the machine about said support member and thenceoutwardly into the nip of the next adjacent pair of rolls along the pathof web travel with the gas escaping through the support member providinga gas cushion between the web and support member.
 18. The print machineof claim 17 wherein said tubular support member comprises a tube whichis porous at least about a portion of the periphery thereof.
 19. Theprint machine of claim 17 wherein said path deflecting means includesidler rolls on said frame above and below each pair of press and printrolls to facilitate redirection from the upstream print roll to thesupport member and thence from the support member to the downstream pairof print and press rolls.
 20. The print machine of claim 17 wherein saiddeflecting means includes dryer means spaced inwardly of said print andpress rolls for directing gas under pressure onto the surface of the webpassing thereby.
 21. In a method for continuous printing of webs, thesteps comprising: a. providing a multiplicity of print rolls each havingcooperating patterns thereon with a multiplicity of circumferentialindicia about the circumference of at least one end thereof dividing thecircumference into a multiplicity of measuring units, said indiciaincluding a pitch mark denoting a predetermined point on the pattern; b.mounting said print rolls on the frame of a print machine with theiraxes lying in a common plane and with a predetermined spacingtherebetween; and c. independently rotating each of at least a pluralityof said print rolls to orient said pitch marks at a predetermined pointrelative to a reference point on said frame about a circle having itscenter lying in said common plane in accordance with a predeterminedlength of path of travel of the web between the adjacent print rollsrelative to the circumference thereof.
 22. The method in accordance withclaim 21 wherein said reference points are alignment devices on saidframe adjacent said print rolls and wherein said print rolls are rotatedto orient a predetermined circumferential indicium with said alignmentdevices.